Created to Praise

 

The psalms, whether written by David, Solomon, Moses, or the sons of Korah, reflect the circumstances these psalmist were facing in their lives – pain, sorrow, war, fear, abandonment, joy, despair, elation, gratitude and praise were all expressed in beautiful lines of poetic song, laid out for us to garner encouragement in our own times of similar circumstance.

The last verse of the last chapter in the Book of Psalms says,

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! – Psalm 150:6 (ESV)

However, we tend to dole out the phrase, “Praise the Lord” like a mantra that is not necessarily heartfelt but more of a rote reflex action.

“Praise the Lord” flies out of our mouths as just another thing to say without any regard for God.

I was once introduced to a lady who, stretching out her hand towards mine, smiled then uttered a shallow overused “Praise the Lord” as if it was some sort of mindless disingenuous salutation.

Beloved, “Praise the Lord” isn’t a catch phrase to be bandied about like a frivolous greeting, it’s an expression of exaltation of God which ascribes glory to Him and when you offer genuine praise to God it stabilizes and strengthens your roots in Him, so that when the storms of life are raging you’ll stand firm, shaken perhaps but immovable.

Like the psalms, the words of Charles Wesley’s hymn are still so relevant for us today.

Through all the changing scenes of life,
in trouble and in joy,
the praises of my God shall still
my heart and tongue employ.

In spite of all that’s happening around you, praise the Lord!

I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. – Psalm 34:1 (ESV)

Beloved, you were created to praise (ref. Isaiah 43:21); praising God is your source of spiritual nourishment. You must saturate the atmosphere with praise; populate your home, your office, your environment, your entire life with praise. Delight in giving Him praise for whatever you delight in will determine your direction.

Amen †

Shelley Johnson “Created to Praise” ©2026 February 1, 2026